Kantai Collection – Kankore – Kakuyoku no Kizuna Vol 1 Chapter 4

The midsummer's sun streamed through the wide-open window into the the Naval District Office.

The trees surrounding the Naval District hummed with the "SZAZAKARAIIIISUUUUU*" of ten thousand cicadas as the fan in the corner valiantly pushed along the hot air. This nation's summer is just like the summer we know, it's very hot.

The Admiral brought me here about a month after I had come to this Naval District, on a certain afternoon.

"Regarding the Confirmation you wanted, Shoukaku, the report has arrived."

The Admiral sat in front of me, hand lying on a doc.u.ment spread over the desk, speaking with a sigh.

"Your theory has been validated by the evidence. You indeed sustain significantly more hits than other carriers--even if we consider 'Luck', this is still the case. In other words..."

"I am still constrained by the t.i.tle of 'The Unlucky s.h.i.+p'--correct?"

I cut through the Admiral with my own voice--from an Admiral's standpoint, these words were probably hard to say.

"...This kind of judgement certainly isn't surprising."

As predicted, the Admiral responded apologetically. I smiled mildly at him as always, telling him not to take it to heart.

I had long since come to terms with this.

From the moment I was born as a s.h.i.+pgirl, it had been like this.

It was because I, like some of the s.h.i.+pgirls, had clear memories of "That War."

It was not altogether surprising that would have to bear results and a legacy as a s.h.i.+pgirl identical to those memories.

Listening to the report at the Admiral's side, secretary-s.h.i.+p Houshou-nee bore a complicated expression.

"But, this way you'll..."

There was clear sorrow in the Admiral's voice. I shook my head.

"It's not a problem. After all, I have my own hopes."

"Hopes?"

"I wish to avoid bringing my misfortune onto others--that and that only."

"........"

"What happens to me is unimportant. No matter how many wounds I sustain, how many times I have to retreat, I don't mind. But I do not wish to lose anyone on account of this. This is my sole wish as a s.h.i.+pgirl."

"Are you worried about your demise in that 'Battle of the Marianas' you speak of?"

"I wouldn't be able to forget something like that even if I tried."

I spoke with a hint of self-mockery. Even now, I occasionally dream of what happened then.

It had been a torpedo, striking while the air groups were being refueled. A diesel leak triggered an explosion that lit me on fire. Those who did not burn were swallowed by the waves, life after life vanis.h.i.+ng before me--unfortunately, I remembered all that with perfect clarity.

Nearly three out of four crewmen had died--some fifteen hundred. Among the Standard Carriers, this was one of the most tragic of figures.

Perhaps that was why.

Or perhaps it was my lingering worry for new model carrier Taihou and my sister Zuikaku, both of whom would subsequently perish in the line of duty, that caused it.

I do not want to bring misfortune on anyone again. I hope that this time I can protect what is important to me.

Even if it means repeating my fate in 'That War' and ending my days at the bottom of the sea.

As long as my death has meaning, has value.

"With that in mind, why don't we hurry to bring Zuikaku--my sister, the one renowned in 'That War' as the ill.u.s.trious 'Lucky Carrier' to the Naval District?"

I maintained my smile as I spoke with firm words.

"That child should be the same as me, bearing the legacy of 'the Lucky Carrier'. As long as she becomes a main fleet standard carrier, she will be of great a.s.sistance to this naval district."

And so, clutching conviction to heart, I told the Admiral,

"And before that happens, leave it to me to protected Zuikaku. Even if I have to be her s.h.i.+eld, I will definitely..."

If I bear the legacy of that war, after all, I ought to be the one to draw the enemy to me when she is in danger, just like back then.

Awoken by past worries, Shoukaku lay in a daze.

She knew where she was--in her room in the naval district, on her futon. The Warm winter sun peeked through the window as the frigid wind shook the forest restlessly.

But she did not understand why she was here.

"If I recall correctly, I was in the waters around Okinos.h.i.+ma, and in order to protect ZUikaku..."

She recalled the torpedo wakes as they rushed at her and Zuikaku.

Though she had been the flags.h.i.+p at the time, her attention had been drawn by the four battles.h.i.+ps, and so the destroyers had managed to close in unnoticed and release their deadly payload. If she had done nothing, both she and Zuikaku would have been stricken by multiple torpedoes with doubtlessly heavy and (with some bad luck) potentially fatal damage.

It was exactly because of that she had instructed the half-formed 2nd air group to intervene from their location between Zuikaku and the incoming torpedos and block what they could.

Given, she could have attempted to both direct her planes and evade as Zuikaku in the Orel Sea--but this would divide her attention and potentially prevent her from accomplis.h.i.+ng either objective.

When Taihou came under torpedo attack during the battle of the Marianas, one of the Suisei had rammed a torpedo, sacrificing his life to block the attack. While he failed and Taihou was ultimately sunk by that torpedo spread, she could definitely succeed--and it was for this reason that she acted as she did.

(However, I only released some ten or so planes--a little too few for all those torpedos. That's why I came to terms with taking a few torps....)

Shoukaku looked at her bathrobed body. Perhaps she was lucky after all--her body bore not a single wound. From the wintry scene outside, it seemed as if little time had pa.s.sed since the battle in the Okinos.h.i.+ma waters.

Out of nowhere, a wave of unease struck her.

(My survival means...)

She was the "unlucky s.h.i.+p." What if this legacy had targeted the Admiral or the other s.h.i.+pgirls? If Zuikaku's luck was an insufficient defense--

Her oath to the Admiral flashed through her mind.

".....! Zui--"

"Shoukaku-nee!"

The doors slammed open as destroyer Yukikaze stepped into the room--and then stopped, as if transfixed with shock.

"I-I'm really sorry! Shoukaku-nee was still sleeping....!"

That's fine, I was just about to get up."

Shoukaku smiled to calm Yukikaze, as she did to rea.s.sure Zuikaku.

"Well then, what happened?"

"Yes, Zuikaku-onee, she--"

"Zuikaku? Is Zuikaku alright...?"

Shoukaku bolted up, shoving her covers aside.

Yukikaze's gaze turned from Shoukaku elsewhere as she spoke with a voice of apology.

"She's fine, but...."

"Do you think this is some kind of joke?!"

Zuikaku shouted in rage.

The location was the Naval District office. Zuikaku had only just returned yesterday with her wounded comrades.

Having called her over, the Admiral now sat behind the desk in front of her. No secretary s.h.i.+p stood by his side, and no other s.h.i.+pgirls were present--a one-on-one standoff.

Zuikaku slammed a hand on the table, her expression filled with rage as she bellowed.

"You want me to attack Okinos.h.i.+ma again? And with Shoukaku-nee too--what the h.e.l.l is wrong with you? There's--"

"--A main fleet built around four Ru-cla.s.ses garrisoned there, a force stronger than anything we have faced."

As if to complete Zuikaku's thought, the Admiral interjected with an emotionless tone.

"And among those four Ru-cla.s.ses, there is a new model--after that battle, we have named it the 'Flags.h.i.+p Type.'"

"Well then if you already know....!"

"Moreover, those four battles.h.i.+ps are attempting a new tactic, trying to surround us with water pillars by firing in series and trying to obscure our line of sight--Suppression Sh.e.l.ling, essentially. I a.s.sume that means they are equipped with the newest Radars."

The Admiral spoke in a firm tone that proscribed any interruption.

"Range seemed equivalent to that of the Nagato-cla.s.s...if they were normal Battles.h.i.+ps they'd went straight for the kill. In night battle, the disparity in accuracy may well become even more p.r.o.nounced."

".....!"

"It's exactly because of this that we are betting our hopes on the power of you carriers. Carrier planes can strike from beyond their fearsome firing range and attack those four battles.h.i.+ps from beyond the horizon. Currently, the Naval District and Factory is operating at full capacity, stockpiling resources and equipment for this sortie."

From beginning to end, the Admiral spoke with icy calm.

"This may well be the last chance given to us. Reconnaissance shows that enemy patrols have increased in both activity and patrol radius. Do you know what that means?"

Zuikaku felt a chill travel down her spine.

"That the main fleet is preparing to make their move against home base...?"

"It's possible that this Naval District is their target. If, by any chance, the Abyssals are not the regrets of 'That War' but the fate of s.h.i.+pgirls who have sank, it would not be surprising if they knew the location of this Naval District."

Zuikaku's expression was bleak--while it was certainly possible, she would rather have left it unsaid.

"...and it is precisely due to this that I plan to dispatch you sisters of the 5thCarDiv. Thankfully, you only sustained minor damage. 1stCarDiv and 2ndCarDiv's standard carriers have yet to fully recover--they are unlikely to be capable of sortieing in the near future; the same goes for Mutsu and the other Battles.h.i.+ps. Currently, the only s.h.i.+p that can take them on are you two."

"....you can try to convince me with your arguments, but the reality is nothing like that."

Zuikaku tightly gripped the desk as she glared at the Admiral.

"Why do you believe that I could take on monsters like those? Shoukaku-nee and my survival and return...."

As she spoke, her recollection of the Battle at Okinos.h.i.+ma floated into her mind.

"Shoukaku-nee--!"

Even as Zuikaku cried out her warning, Shoukaku was engulfed in multiple water spouts, briefly s.h.i.+elding her from view.

What happened was obvious--Shoukaku had used the carrier planes above her to target the torpedo spread, simultaneously using her body to s.h.i.+eld Zuikaku from the remaining torpedos. Just like she had resolved to do before the battle.

"A,ah...."

Zuikaku shook wordlessly, simply staring as the curtain of geysers receded. As expected, Shoukaku could not have stopped all the torpedos; several shot past on either side of her--even so, Zuikaku was completely unharmed.

(H-how...how can this be...!)

Zuikaku felt the hopelessness seeping through her spirit. As it was, she may as well have been the one that had sank Shoukaku--living up to the name of the 'lucky carrier', she had sacrificed the 'unlucky s.h.i.+p' for her own survival.

(I never asked for this! I just wanted to fight to save this world....!)

The pillars of water slowly collapsed--revealing to Zuikaku a figure collapsed like the geysers around her.

"Shoukaku-nee!"

Zuikaku hurried rushed over as she lifted Shoukaku from where she lay on the water's surface.

Shoukaku's body was covered in wounds, her equipment virtually destroyed--it seemed not a single carrier plane had survived. But she was alive--Shoukaku had once said that s.h.i.+pgirls would float, as long as they remained alive.

(Thank G.o.d! But, why...?)

Even as she cried tears of joy, Zuikaku felt a smidgen of unease. Even if Shoukaku carrier planes had managed to reduce the torpedos coming at her, the remainder should have been more than enough to finish her in her current state. And yet, Shoukaku had managed to just barely hold on.

Presently, several carrier planes flew over at low alt.i.tude. These planes bore floats--they weren't Shoukaku's, at any rate.

It seemed like this seaplane team had joined Shoukaku in attacking the torpedos, saving her life in the process.

(Seaplanes? It can't be...?)

"--are you alright, 5thCarDiv Sisters?"

The voice in her ear--a radio transmission. And that voice belonged to--"

"Ise-onee?"

This transmission came from Aviation Battles.h.i.+p Ise. Zuikaku gaped at Ise and Hyuuga, astonished.

Ise and Hyuuga evaded the continued fire from the four Ru-cla.s.ses and the pillars of water surrounding them.

Both had sustained several direct hits and several near misses and the wounds to prove it--their protective barriers were also in tatters. But they continued moving as they evaded sh.e.l.l after sh.e.l.l. While they moved as sluggishly as their status as battles.h.i.+ps implied, they moved spryly, dodging only after the enemy had fired.

(So even at Cape Engano....!)

Breathless, Zuikaku remembered the last scenes she had witnessed of "That War."

The Battle of Engano where she sank had been the last decisive battle for her side--the carrier battle of the Leyte Gulf. Ise and Hyuuga had been responsible for the protection of four carriers, led by Zuikaku, committing themselves to a harrowing anti-air battle.

The battle had ended in disaster for the j.a.panese--all four carriers were lost. But Ise and Hyuuga had managed to shrewdly evade the enemy planes' waves of attacks, surviving a battle from which no survivors were expected. Watching these two s.h.i.+pgirls now, it seemed as if they had inherited that agility, so unlike those of battles.h.i.+ps.

Ise's voice rose urgently.

"--is Shoukaku fine? We're falling back now--we of the 4thCarDiv will form the rearguard, you 5thCarDiv sisters hurry up and scram!"

"To leave in this situation....?"

"We just received orders from the Admiral! We've finally managed to unmask the enemy Main Fleet's true face--given how the battle is going, we have no option but to retreat...!"

Zuikaku found that her blood was rising far faster than her relief.

(Doesn't that mean that we were sent just to scout out the enemy's composition...!?)

From a certain point of view, this was a reasonable judgement and choice--even so, she could not accept it.

"--We of the 4thCarDiv's durability and evasion is more than enough, if it's just buying time against those four Battles.h.i.+ps--now hurry up!"

"B-but, if that happens you'll..."

"Don't look underestimate the 4thCarDiv! Right, Hyuuga!"

"That's right. Let them witness the true power of the Aviation Battles.h.i.+ps! Zuikaku, we'll definitely catch up with you--get going!"

The two bellowed, as if to rea.s.sure themselves.

At the same time, gunfire echoed in the distance--Maya and Choukai were engaging the Destroyers that had just launched the torpedo spread.

Zuikaku gulped. Currently, the enemy was completely focused elsewhere--

In her confusion, Zuikaku saw the wounded Shoukaku as an expression of anguish appeared across her face--it seemed she was trying to endure the pain. If she didn't escape, Shoukaku might sink.

"....sorry.....!"

Zuikaku lifted Shoukaku up as she started her retreat.

"The only reason we survived was because Ise-nee and Hyuuga-nee acted as our s.h.i.+elds."

Zuikaku lowered her head with her remorseful admission.

"But after we made it out, those two returned with severe damage. Maya, Choukai and Shoukaku-nee were the same...that was the limit of our power."

"Our Higher-Ups believe that you, as the 'Lucky Carrier,' are needed in the fleet for us to have any chance of victory."

"....!"

Zuikaku glared once more at the Admiral, who took it in calmly.

"I'm sure Shoukaku has told you before of your ability as the 'Lucky Carrier' to grasp the most fortunate result. It's because of this status that we were given this last chance."

"'Lucky Carrier' this, 'Lucky Carrier' That....is everyone just treating me as an object to carry around?!"

Zuikaku leaned forwards as she shouted in rage. Something that she had been struggling to endure had finally boiled over.

"The power to grasp the most fortunate outcome? I never trusted your f.u.c.king luck, I just did my best! Don't just foist a role on me like that!"

"I have no objection with your explanation. But we need your power to save the world. The fact is that you managed to unveil the enemy's true face and successfully escaped with a wounded Shoukaku from the battle. Given your comparative combat ability, this result may as well be a miracle."

"So I was called here just for that, then? So I'm just a b.l.o.o.d.y lucky charm you carry around so the miracles come falling? Sacrificing Shoukaku-nee and the other s.h.i.+pgirls for some c.r.a.p like that--this is a little too unreasonable!"

".........."

"The one who said that s.h.i.+pgirls aren't tools of war, wasn't that you, Admiral?"

"That's fine as well--this is a war, and sacrifices must sometimes be made."

"........."

"We must grab our fates with our own hands."

Nearly gasping in rage, Zuikaku couldn't stop herself from raising her shortbow. Of course, she didn't loose the carrier plane at the arrow's tip--but just a twitch of the finger, and the plane would immediately shoot at the Admiral.

The Admiral didn't move, but gazed back evenly with a resolve that stood up to Zuikaku's rage.

In spite of her teeth-grinding rage, Zuikaku didn't shoot--she couldn't shoot.

"Zuikaku, stop!"

A voice from behind her--Zuikaku turned around with shock to see Shoukaku staring at her, having thrown the office doors open. From the heaving of her shoulders, it appeared that she had rushed over as fast as she could.

"Shoukaku-nee..."

Zuikaku spoke gently. Shoukaku, who had been wounded protecting her, had returned. Joy, elation and guilt flashed through her mind--along with complicated feelings about Shoukaku's resolve.

However, Shoukaku approached Zuikaku soundlessly, s.n.a.t.c.hing Zuikaku's shortbow--and then raising her right arm in a broad slap.

"....!"

"Apologize to the Admiral,"

Shoukaku said severely to Zuikaku, who touched her face in a daze.

"Apologize, now!"

"....! Didn't you lie to me too, Shoukaku-nee?!"

Shoukaku roared back reflexively, expelling all the regrets and depression that had followed that last battle in a single breath.

Don't say any more--saying any more would hurt Shoukaku-nee, another Zuikaku cautioned desperately. But Zuikaku wouldn't stop, couldn't stop.

"'I won't sink again' my a.s.s. Tossing out lies to rea.s.sure me and then try to sacrifice yourself for me...that's just like Dinosaurs! The one giving up against the t.i.tle of 'the Unlucky s.h.i.+p' is clearly you, Shoukaku-nee!"

"Zuikaku..."

"I don't want to be a lucky charm or a weapon of war--and I sure as h.e.l.l don't want to be a reason for Shoukaku-nee to sacrifice herself!"

Zuikaku turned and ran, through the open door into the hall.

"Hold on, Zuikaku!"

Though her elder sister's remonstrances reached her, Zuikaku did not stop running.

Shoukaku did not run after Zuikaku.

No, she couldn't run after her.

Firstly, it was unlikely that Zuikaku in her current state would listen to her words. Secondly, she had lied, as Zuikaku ahd said. And as Zuikaku had said, she had chosen to accept her status as 'the Unlucky s.h.i.+p' and do her best under the circ.u.mstances.

(But that's all I can do...)

Those experiences in "That War" culminating in the t.i.tle of "The Unlucky s.h.i.+p;" the high hit sustenance rate that had come with that t.i.tle; that low hit rate, even though the experience and skill was clearly there--that was just how things were---she couldn't do anything about it.

"Thank you, Shoukaku--though I want to say that, are you alright now?"

The Admiral inquired as he let loose a sigh of relaxation. Shoukaku stood up straight, responding with head lowered.

"Yes, thanks to you. My apologies for letting you witness my willfusl sister's display."

"Don't worry about it. That kind of spirit is what your sister ought to have."

The Admiral responded as if it were nothing. It seemed like he had expected Zuikaku's response.

Shoukaku nodded slightly as she spoke with a careful tone:

"I've heard the gist of it from Yukikaze. Moreover, that exchange confirmed a guess of mine--deploying the 5thCarDiv to use Zuikaku's power of the 'Lucky Carrier' was the request of the higher-ups and not the Admiral, correct?"

The Admiral said nothing as he gazed at Shoukaku, his face clearly displeased.

(I was right, huh...)

Shoukaku held back her sigh. The Admiral had come to lead the Naval District due to political backing--this had been obvious from the missions up until now. Moreover, his political base was far from solid.

The intent of Shoukaku and Zuikaku's last sortie had probably been to "grasp their formation, even if you can't wipe out the main fleet." That intent could be seen in the choice of sortieing Ise and Hyuuga, both veterans skilled in evasion.

Moreover, if this had been the primary goal, there was no need to send her and Zuikaku. Indeed, throwing in a rookie such as Zuikaku was still very risky, "Lucky Carrier" or not.

Pus.h.i.+ng forwards in spite of all this--it had to be pressure from the higher-ups.

(Even if it was only to satisfy the demands of the higher-ups, the Admiral still took full responsibility of everything related to us as our commander while resolving to maintain clear accountability. That's probably why he didn't say anything...)

Perhaps the Admiral had gleaned from the s.h.i.+pgirl's recollections of "That War" that a string of disasters had resulted from poor accountability.

After all, there was no need for a bunch of s.h.i.+pgirls balancing a war with the abyssals with daily life at the Naval District to understand the Admiral's political position regarding his higher ups. In a certain sense, this was also an attempt to protect the hearts of the s.h.i.+pgirls.

At the very least, this was what the Admiral had in mind when he fought.

Perhaps he had dealt so severely with Zuikaku so that Zuikaku could vent all the suspicions and questions remaining from the previous battle and allow her to confront her feelings.

(What a difficult man to understand.)

Shoukaku frowned discontentedly as she suppressed a sigh before voicing another one of her convictions.

"However, Admiral. The Admiral I know wouldn't repeat this kind of thing."

".........."

"Plus, this time around we're not deploying until we've completely grasped the Okinos.h.i.+ma Garrison Fleet's formation--I presume you have a plan then?"

As Shoukaku watched inquisitively, the Admiral broke into a chilling grin.

"...aren't you a little full of yourself, moping alone here at a time like this?"

Standing on the seawall that snaked around the naval district sh.o.r.eline, Hiyou inquired with an expression of confusion.

At her feet Zuikaku crouched slavically, her face and expression concealed by her legs.

After the argument in the naval district office, Zuikaku had run here from the naval district. At least there would be some time for solitude here--or so she had thought.

Unfortunately, her hopes proved naive. Zuikaku had only been here for a short time before Hiyou had started talking behind her. More likely than not, Hiyou had been sent by a certain someone in the naval district.

(After that debacle, I don't have the face to return to the naval district...)

Though she felt Hiyou come closer to her, Zuikaku's depression was not a.s.suaged.

(I just wanted to work hard as a s.h.i.+pgirl, but....)

Not a single word Zuikaku had said to Shoukaku and the Admiral had been dishonest or untrue. Given, aiming her equipment at the admiral was a little overdone, but Zuikaku did not feel that she had said anything wrong.

Even so, a strong sense of regret lingered

(I spoke out of line with Shoukaku-nee...)

Undecided between standing uncomfortably and sitting uncomfortably, the young woman dug her thumbnails into herself.

(Shoukaku-nee clearly just wanted to protect me...she clearly just went through a situation that made her think as she did...)

Shoukaku had not escaped the wounds of "That War." Indeed, it was the very opposite--she was one of the ones to remember it the most vividly. And it was due to those experiences that she so selflessly tried to protect Zuikaku.

Shoukaku is the "unlucky s.h.i.+p", so she is. .h.i.t more; Zuikaku is the "lucky carrier," so she brings her side good luck--if this theory becomes a rule, there would be no s.h.i.+p better suited to be "the s.h.i.+p in charge of being hit" than Shoukaku.

Moreover, if she truly possessed the power to grasp the best possible result, it was not illogical for the Naval District to prepare for a long war with the abyssals--

(But I hate this kind of thinking....)

To Zuikaku, Shoukaku was an irreplaceable sister, one which she could not bear to harm for her sake.

(Nevermind that I'm still a rookie. Even if I were given some responsibility like "grabbing the best possible result", I'd have not a clue how to do it...)

In the worst case scenario, no miracle would be triggered at all, and all the s.h.i.+pgirls with her except for herself would perish--it was certainly a possibility that Zuikaku considered.

(what should I do...?)

"Oy, are you listening to me?"

Hiyou spoke again from behind her, but Zuikaku wasn't interested in answering.

The silence persisted nearly a minute more--finally, Hiyou sighed. Sitting down next to Zuikaku, she started speaking, her gaze directed at the sea.

"I heard about it. And I'm also aware of that 'you may have a certain ability' c.r.a.p too."

".........."

"I've always had Junyou by me, after all. That girl was an accomplished veteran in 'That War', and survived until the end...though it's not to your degree, it would not be unreasonable to call her a 'lucky carrier' as well. In reality, her hit sustenance rate in this war is indeed lower...to tell you the truth, I'm quite jealous."

"........"

"That's why I can understand Shoukaku's feelings, and your feelings to some extent. Junyou has always been forgiving of me, constrained as I am by tactics...while it is in part to prevent me from feeling inferior, I suspect Junyou simply doesn't want to consider the idea that 'she is lucky.' If we were always aware of our own fortunes, their results and that kind of business, we'd simply be incapable of getting along with our comrades."

She felt the same right now--that was what Zuikaku thought, her face hidden in her legs. In regards to Junyou's situation, her concern for Hiyou had already made that self-evident.

And yet after a pause, Hiyou spoke up again, with a harsher voice.

"But Junyou has never given up due to her situation. She had never used 'luck' or 'it was pre-ordained' as a pretext to give up."

".......!"

Hiyou had never rebuked Zuikaku like this before, and Zuikaku froze.

"I am the same. I am a light carrier who cannot compare with standard carriers, and I accomplished little worth mentioning in 'That War'....but so what? How can I bend my knee to luck and fate? Stuff like that, I'll toss them aside with this s.h.i.+ning hand of mine!"

Hiyou's right hand, rock in hand, glowed with her magical onmyodo powers or some s.h.i.+t. With what may or may not have been sheer willpower, the air around Hiyou began to tremble.

"Hiyou...."

Zuikaku looked up slowly. In front of her, Hiyou stood up, clutching the stone in her hand.

Hiyou stared at the seaside as before. And yet the gaze that emanated from those purple eyes seemed to imbibe Hiyou's resolution.

(In other words, the Admiral basically said the same thing...)

One should decide her own fate--the Admiral had said this to her, back before Shoukaku had reached the office.

Thinking carefully, that phrase may have been the expression not of the Admiral and this world's faith, but that of a hope that could guide both Zuikaku, gradually fettered by the results of "That War," and Shoukaku, long since subjugated by them.

Furthermore, she was the "Lucky Carrier," the s.h.i.+pgirl that carryied the power to "Grasp the best possible result"--perhaps she could end her connection to that past with her own hands. Given, this was an inherently contradictory train of thought, but this was a thought--

(Whether I truly grasp the power to grasp the most fortunate result and what the best possible result, I don't know...)

Hiyou's dark hair and red dress fluttered in the wind, but she resolutely stared out towards the sea as before--seeing her face, Zuikaku was struck with a thought.

(But the only one who can decide whether and how to use this power is I...if I use it right, perhaps it can be the power that saves everyone. Of course, Shoukaku-nee's heart is no exception...)

Even if she was the "Lucky Carrier," there was no need to truly confirm or deny this power.

The only way to avoid others sacrificing themselves for her was to use her power to solve those problems. If she didn't want to be a lucky charm or a weapon, what she needed to do was, again, to change herself, with her own power.

Of course, Zuikaku knew neither the specifics nor whether she could actually save Shoukaku's heart. h.e.l.l, the fetters binding herself with Shoukaku may well be broken--on this point, Zuikaku felt both fear and unease.

But perhaps there would be a way, as long as she gave it her all as before. After all, the t.i.tle of 'the lucky carrier' shouldn't be an empty t.i.tle--

"The sparkle seems to have returned to your eyes...go!"

Cracking into a slightly teasing grin, Hiyou hurled the stone in her right hand towards the sea. Perhaps it had something to do with Hiyou's magical Onmyoudou powers, but the stone continued to skip off the water's surface until it was lost in the waves.

"f.u.c.king beautiful,"

Hiyou remarked cheerfully. She turned again towards Zuikaku.

"Really now, at this rate you're going to befoul the name of the 5thCarD...rather, the new 1stCarDiv. We were the ones propping up the Main Fleet Carrier Task Force after Midway; get it together."

Zuikaku scratched her cheek with a crooked grin.

"Ahaha, well, there were a lot of reasons..."

Though she had patched up her feelings, the "Okinos.h.i.+ma Main Garrison Fleet blocking us" remained an obstacle.

In order to deal with that main fleet, she'd most likely have to deploy as before with Shoukaku.

And before that could be done, some new tactics would need to be devised. Zuikaku did not believe her fortune would be enough on its own against such strong enemies.

"But how should I say this...well, I feel a lot better now. Thanks! Thanks for coming here just to cheer me up!"

"I-I wasn't giving my advice for your sake!"

Clearly embarra.s.sed Hiyou waved the thanks away.

"This is for the whole Naval District...and the Admiral!"

"Admiral?"

"After all, he asked me in the past to take care of you in my own way. I just happened to see you run out of the naval district and remembered this...."

"Is that so..."

For all her surprise, Zuikaku also felt slightly apologetic.

Perhaps the Admiral had long since forseen this situation and had dispatched Hiyou to deal with this istuation.

Perhaps he had spoken earlier with such a harsh tone in order to help her grasp this current line of logic. Or perhaps he had hoped he could personally change Shoukaku's sense of self-sacrifice--

(But how could I have figured something like that out?! If he had said it clearly...)

"Moreover, Junyou and I are being deployed to the Okinos.h.i.+ma waters as well."

"Hiyou and Junyou too?"

Zuikaku gaped in astonishment. It seemed like the Admiral had abandoned surface combat and had resolved to deal with the enemy's fearsome main fleet with air power.

"That's right. As such, wouldn't it be a problem if a fleet comrade were all depressed? That's why it's for myself too--definitely not for your sake! After all, the New 1stCarDiv and the new 2ndCarDiv are rivals, and I'm not about to get all lovey dovey with you!"

"I-is that so..."

Hiyou huffily crossed her arms. Zuikaku, figuring that Hiyou was trying to hide her embarra.s.sment,[1] broke into laughter as she tried to move on.

"Whatever, let's not worry about that for now--we need to think of some strategies..."

Hiyou's eyes turned once more to the oceans.

"I've already seen your battle report. The enemy main fleet's core are the four Ru-cla.s.s battles.h.i.+ps, one of which is a flags.h.i.+p-type that's stronger than the elite-type. Once caught in the enemy's continuous fire the situation deteriorates dramatically, so we must devise a way by which we can eliminate the vast majority of the opponents within the opening air attack. However..."

Hiyou stopped at this point. Thinking of the unspoken implications, Zuikaku could not suppress a pang of regret.

During the battle with the enemy main force, she and Shoukaku had both launched a first wave. Though all had reached the enemy's airs.p.a.ce, fierce AA fire had prevented them from inflicting any significant damage.

(From the intensity of the AA fire, it's possible that even the next-generation Suisei dive bombers and Tenzan torpedo bombers currently in development would be insufficient to break through the barrage)

"While I'm sure the Admiral has some good ideas..."

Hiyou whispered with a mix of antic.i.p.ation and unease.

If it was impossible to obtain decisive victory through the air, the next time may well still end in a defeat. Not only would this defeat give the enemy main fleet a chance to approach the homeland, but it could also make possible the worst-case scenario of an attack on the Naval District, a battle which could decide the progress of the war in a single moment.

At that moment, an unfamiliar engine rumble reached the silent Zuikaku and Hiyou.

"That engine sound...could it be?"

Zuikaku had heard this sound before--at the Marianas, her own air complement had included planes that had bore these engines.

(Ahh, these were the engines of the new model recon Saiun...but, those numbers are too large for a recon team....!)

"Zuikaku, look...!"

Zuikaku turned to where Hiyou's finger pointed--and immediately understood.

These carrier planes bore a graceful streamlined shape and a distinctive inverted gull-wing layout, wings that tapered up from the fuselage to the tip. There were enough planes to mount two carriers, and their reverberating engine sounds belonged to the scaled down but high-powered Nakajima Homare engine. The plane squadrons shot over the two at high speed.

(I once heard rumors of that fuselage during "That War...!)

Capabilities surpa.s.sing the Type 99 Dive bomber and the Type 97 Torpedo Bomber--or even the Suisei Dive bomber and Tenzan Torpedo bombers; a plane that combined dive bombing and torpedo bombing capabilities in a new revolutionary design allegedly fast enough to outstrip the Type 21 Zero.

She had never mounted this decisive-battle, blueprint weapon in "That War", but she had one day hoped for that chance. The weapon "So advanced that it had to remain cla.s.sified" Yuubari mentioned, maybe it was this.

It's name is--

"The Sienar Fleet Systems TIE Line Fighter...!"

The Admiral recalled the Admiral's words--if it were Carriers, they would be able to attack the four Ru-cla.s.s from outside their range. The Naval District and Factories had been working at double speed to churn out the necessary supplies and equipment--indeed, the Ryuusei-kai was a standout design. If two standard carrier's worth of Ryuusei Kai could be manufactured, even the enemy main fleet, with its powerful AA suite, might still take mortal damage.

Combined with her own luck, perhaps--

(That's the 5thCarDiv is needed, and that's why I am needed...)

Watching the Ryuusei Kai squadrons flying into the distance, Zuikaku felt a surge of hot blood rush through her veins.

Several hours later, Zuikaku received the official sortie order.

"I will now explain the details of the new operation."

The Admiral's voice reverberated through the Naval District Office. The skies framed in the window had long since gone black.

Inside the office were a.s.sembled the four carriers notified about their role--Zuikaku, Shoukaku, Hiyou and Junyou.

Zuikaku kept her distance from Shoukaku--she was not quite sure how to face her elder sister. Shoukaku, it seemed, was of a similar sentiment, and both of them made sure their eyes would not meet.

"As everyone is well aware, our naval district's last a.s.sault on the Okinos.h.i.+ma Anchorage was an abject failure, with well over half the main fleet heavily damaged by the enemy. We now believe that the enemy main fleet anch.o.r.ed until now at the anchorage is preparing for an invasion of the mainland."

Several fairies promptly suck a strategic map onto a whiteboard standing on the workdesk.

"If we leave the enemy free rein, our homeland and this Naval District will most likely come under attack. We must prevent this from happening at all costs. As such, we will be deploying with you all serving as the main fleet in a Carrier Task Force capacity to the Okinos.h.i.+ma Waters for a third attack. This operation will be referred to as 'Operation A-go.'"

Zuikaku gulped. The name of this operation was familiar.

(The Operation that led to the battle at the Marianas was also called Operation A-go.)

In "That War" and in this war, A-go represented the commitment to a decisive battle.

"This time we will be betting our hopes on you four carriers preemptively neutralizing the enemy in order to nullify the enemy's suppressing fire."

The Admiral explained in a heavier voice.

"Thanks to previous developments at the factories, we have manufactured sufficient quant.i.tes of the prototype Suisei Kai to outfit two carriers. Standard Carriers Shoukaku and Zuikaku will mount these Suisei Kai, along with Type 52 Zeroes, as the fleet's primary striking force. Due to the limited number of Type 52 Zeroes, however, Zuikaku's remaining supplement will be equipped with Type 62 Zeroes."

Zuikaku nodded slightly. As Yuubari and RJ had said in the factories, the Type 62 Zeroes were variations of the base Type 52 Zero model--if you could deal with their slightly inferior specs, they were more than capable of seizing air superiority. When it came to battle against the main force, they would also be able to serve in a dive bombing capacity.

"Hiyou and Junyou will deploy as always with Type 21 Zeroes, Type 99 Dive Bombers and Type 97 Torpedo Bombers. However, we will be limiting the numbers of Type 99s, which will be primarily used as scouts. In combat, we will rely on the Type 97s. The Type 99's dive bombs may be ineffective against the Ru-cla.s.s."

Hiyou and Junyou both responded with a crisp "understood."

"As for the enemy patrols and pickets, please remove them with preemptive air strikes to the best of your ability. Looking at their composition, you should have more than enough to wrest air superiority. As long the enemy is disabled, it is acceptable to disengage and move on."

The enemy's gate is down--that was what the Admiral's gaze said.

"Once the enemy main force is encountered, focus everything on the first attack. Even if the enemy is Ru-cla.s.s, breaking the enemy's formation with torpedos should help to inhibit their suppression fire. Your primary target is the Flags.h.i.+p Ru-cla.s.s that appears to be serving as flags.h.i.+p. As before, sinking the flags.h.i.+p should plunge the leaderless enemy into confusion."

The fairies promptly affixed several photos of the flags.h.i.+p type [2] on the whiteboard. A few of Hyuuga and Ise's observation seaplanes had managed to survive, and theses photos appeared to have been brought back thanks to their actions.

As the Admiral said, the Flags.h.i.+p Ru-cla.s.s had indeed stood in front of the enemy fleet; it seemed like that she was indeed the coordinator.

"In the case that a preemptive strike fails, chances will be that you will lose the ability to inhibit their suppressing fire and thus suffer defeat. If that happens, the enemy will close in on the homeland. If this happens, the Naval District will deploy into Home Waters in preparation for a last-ditch defense."

It didn't require much thought to realize that there was no plan at that point. If they failed, the Naval District's home fleet would consist of Heavy Cruisers and other smaller vessels. At that point, the battle plan would be encroaching on the nation's vital naval trade network.

"The flags.h.i.+p this time will be Shoukaku--as before. Are there any questions?"

The Admiral looked to the four s.h.i.+pgirls. It appeared he wanted each of them to imagine the consequences of the failure of their last stand.

"Just one."

Shoukaku raised her hand. There was no smile on her face now, only grimness. The Admiral tipped his head lightly, beckoning her to speech.

"As the flags.h.i.+p, there is something I would like to confirm with the Admiral in regards to this operation: when it comes down to it, is our priority 'our survival,' or 'the elimination of the enemy main fleet?'"

(Shoukaku-nee....)

Zuikaku gazed at Shoukaku and the Admiral uncomfortably. Similarly, Hiyou and Junyou also eyed the two with tension written across their faces.

"....of course, our priority is to eliminate the enemy main fleet."

The Admiral's voice was low, but clear.

"If we fail this battle, we will have lost the war. If the price for destroying the enemy main force is your lives, I, as a commanding officer, am prepared to pay."

His distress was palpable in his voice as he continued.

"However, I forbid any of you from entering battle with this resolve. There is a high likelihood that you all will be integral to our battles in the future; as such, I demand (however unreasonably) that you defeat the enemy and return to this naval district. Fight, fight with every ounce of your soul against the enemy against you. Whatever the result, I am prepared to take full responsibility."

"I understand. Thank you."

Shoukaku nodded lightly as Zuikaku felt a pang of guilty.

Her sister had doubtlessly brought up this question to make sure Zuikaku understood the Admiral's thoughts. The Admiral had no plans to use the s.h.i.+pgirls as weapons. Given, some decisions may have seemed the opposite, but for the Admiral, this remained a heart-rending decision--

(I understand this kind of thing....but, Shoukaku-nee...)

"Moreover, regarding the remaining two s.h.i.+ps..."

"I was just about to explain that. Come in, you two."

The office door swung open with a heavy clack as from it came the shapes of two rather small s.h.i.+pgirls. Zuikaku's eyes widened--one of the two destroyers wore a white sailor uniform as a large dress, with a pair of large binoculars hanging from her neck. The other s.h.i.+pgirl wore a black-on-white sailor uniform, her hair an opulent, striking white.

Zuikaku gulped. She had seen these two destroyers before, and found what she had in common with them.

(It can't be, these two are...)

The Admiral's voice echoed through the office.

"Destroyers Yukikaze and Hibiki. They are this naval district's most seasoned destroyers, and I am confident they are upt to the task of escorting you all."

The Admiral paused for a moment before regarding the six s.h.i.+pgirls before speaking a half-plea, half-order.

"Please, use your power as s.h.i.+pgirls to give us humans a future."

The skies above the waters around Okinos.h.i.+ma were as clear as always.

Zuikaku and company sailed under the dazzling sun at full speed ahead.

Ten hours had elapsed since their departure from their naval district, and it had been two hours ago that they had left the transport s.h.i.+p and officially began their deployment. They had encountered the enemy three times and taken only scratch damage--and now only the main fleet was ahead of them. It appeared that someone out there had been looking out for them on this route as well.

The fleet was split into two units, with destroyers Yukikaze and Hibiki forming a vanguard for Zuikaku, Shoukaku, Hiyou and Junyou's main force. The vanguard served as both an advance force and, on enemy encounter, bait.

The six s.h.i.+pgirls remained silent. The impending approach of the enemy main fleet seemed to bring about a pressure that lapsed even Junyou into silence. Hiyou and Shoukaku did not need mentioning.

Zuikaku, too, had yielded to this pervading feeling.

(This is kind of bad...)

She felt a throb in her chest. Under this atmosphere it was questionable whether they'd be able to make use of their full power even if they met with the enemy.

(But I don't know how to solve this...)

She looked to Shoukaku--Shoukaku, as in the battle before, gazed forwards, her expression tight.

Looking back, Zuikaku had not said a word to Shoukaku through deployment--partly because she didn't know what to say, and partly because she still did not know how to change Shoukaku's resolve.

Doubtlessly, the current Shoukaku would willing sacrifice herself for her. After all, this was operation "A-go," the last chance for the Naval District to take out the Okinos.h.i.+ma Enemy Anchorage. Given the fact that the fate of the homeland would be determined by the results of this battle, the situation could not be more serious.

(But I really just don't want to see Shoukaku-nee like this...)

Zuikaku noticed that she gripped the shortbow in her right hand abnormally tightly.

(I wish fortune to Shoukaku-nee too...I wish that her smile is not just a rea.s.surance for my sake, but from her heart. Or else...)

"--Umm, Zuikaku-nee."

A wireless transmission from somewhere--it was destroyer Yukikaze. From Shoukaku's complete lack of response, it seemed as if Yukikaze had words for Zuikaku only.

"I read you. Go on, Yukikaze."

Zuikaku's lips barely moved, to avoid attracting Shoukaku's notice. She could secretly guess what Yukikaze wanted to talk about.

"Don't worry about it, everyone over here is really quiet, and I'm pretty bored. After all, we haven't discovered the enemy main force yet."

In reality, the fleet had already launched scouts in all directions--it would be unsurprising if the enemy was found at this very moment. Nevertheless, Zuikaku didn't want to silence Yukikaze.

"--thank you. Hibiki is also listening to this transmission, is that alright?"

"No problem. Ah, also, sorry I didn't greet you guys yet. I'll be in your care today, Yukikaze, Hibiki."

"-Y-yes! Yukikaze will do her best!"

"Understood. Likewise."

The bipolarity of the two destroyer's response almost caused Zuikaku to burst into laughter.

"Well then, what do you guys want to ask me?"

"--Okay. To be honest, we've been hiding something all this time from Zuikaku-nee, and we ought to apologize to you about it..."

"You two were observing me to see whether I was the 'Lucky Carrier' that could grasp the most fortunate outcome, right?"

"....! How did you...?"

"It'd be hard not to know."

Listening to Yukikaze's embarra.s.sment, Zuikaku broke into a bitter smile.

"You two were watching with Akagi-senpai during my inaugural battle with Kaga-senpai, and I saw you guys during drills and exercises too. Oh, so Akagi-senpai is in on this too then? Ehh, she's even higher up in seniority than Shoukaku-nee. I suppose it was expected."

"--Ehh, you got us..."

"Plus, isn't Yukikaze like me, a s.h.i.+p people figured would be able to grasp that most fortunate outcome? In 'That War' I also heard you being referred to as the 'Lucky Destroyer.' You survived until the end, too, so I figured..."

That last part was more instinct. From her occasional run-ins with Yukikaze, Zuikaku had noticed that she carried herself with an air unlike those of the other destroyers. An unburdened feeling, maybe. It was a vague term at best, but it was simultaneously different from the other s.h.i.+pgirls and similar to herself.

It was exactly because of this that Zuikaku figured that Yukikaze might be a s.h.i.+pgirl with similar abilities. Of course, this revelation came after the last sortie.

Akagi was the same. She was the Naval District's most senior standard carrier, and the s.h.i.+pgirl closest to the Admiral; there was no way she did not notice Zuikaku and Yukikaze's situation.

"--t-that's right...as expected of Zuikaku-nee..."

Perhaps Zuikaku had been on target too many times, for Yukikaze responded with a tone of admiration that caused Zuikaku to again break into a crooked smile.

"Also, Hibiki must have also survived to the end of 'That War', and thus have known who in the naval district possessed the fruits of fortune....that's why you fight with Yukikaze, correct? And that's why Akagi-senpai asked you to take care of me...am I correct, Hibiki?"

Hibiki remained silent, but Zuikaku took that as affirmation.

"...that's why I'm not concerned about this kind of thing. Yukikaze doesn't need to apologize, and neither does Hibiki--both of you were simply doing your jobs, right? This is an issue between Shoukaku-nee and I."

"--Don't you feel sad sometimes? Scared?"

From Yukikaze's tentative question, it seemed that the name of "The Lucky Destroyer" and the alleged ability to Grasp the Most Fortunate Outcome sat heavily on her shoulders.

"Of course, it's nothing to be happy about. But I won't stop here."

"........"

"If this power really exists, then I will use it where I need to. I want to protect Shoukaku-nee and stand beside her in battle. That's why I will do my best with all I have as before--that is how I feel."

"--Zuikaku-nee...."

"That is what Yukikaze thinks as well, right?"

".....Yes."

Yukikaze responded hesitantly after several seconds of silence. That brief emptiness allowed Zuikaku to feel just how grim the road of the "Lucky Destroyer" was for Yukikaze.

(Yukikaze is most likely like me...)

"--it might be strange to say 'because of this', but...I'll be leaving Shoukaku-nee to you."

From her position advancing into the distance, Yukikaze turned around to regard Zuikaku for a moment before continuing.

"--Hibiki and I both survived 'That War,', and continued serving on active duty for a significant period afterwards, so we remember a bit of what happened after the war." [3]

"........."

"--that's why it pains us to see a s.h.i.+pgirl as stubborn as Shoukaku-nee. True, 'That War' was a painful memory, both for us and our crews; even so, few hated or resented us, even as the losers. Shoukaku-nee's surviving crew probably felt the same, which is why..."

Yukikaze could not continue, and Zuikaku didn't want to push her.

Both she and Yukikaze knew that saying this to Shoukaku would accomplish nothing. Shoukaku lived in the shadow of her misfortunes from 'That War;' bringing up the events that followed would not bring her out from there.

"I understand. Thank you for your concerns."

In an increasingly choked voice, Zuikaku spoke to Yukikaze.

"At any rate, Hibiki, Yukikaze, focus on the battle. Just keep dodging, and we'll think of a way to defeat the enemy."

"--Alright, then we'll leave it to you...because Yukikaze will never sink! Hibiki-nee, let's do our best together!"

"--sounds about right."

Yukikaze shouted rousingly, while Hibiki responded with a hint of warmth, expressionless as ever.

Hibiki was one of the 6thDesDev and got along well with destroyers Ikazuchi, Inazuma and Akatsuki--but perhaps on another level, she had a certain connection with Yukikaze as well.

That aside, through her conversation with Yukikaze and Hibiki, Zuikaku felt that perhaps she had reached some kind of realization.

Perhaps the way to change Shoukaku's resolve was not through words, but actions...

(So maybe this is that most fortunate result...)

Five minutes later, one of the fleet's scout planes finally caught sight of the enemy main fleet.

This scout plane belonged to Standard Carrier Zuikaku.

Whether it was because the Abyssals sensing the oncoming a.s.sault or a natural deterioration in weather conditions, the surface of the Okinos.h.i.+ma waters began to stir and roil.

Even so, the four carriers advanced at maximum battle speed, splitting the waters with their advance.

"Keep your prows upwind; all s.h.i.+ps, begin launch!"

Shoukaku shrilly spoke above the din as she raised her own shortbow.

"Once the air group has a.s.sembled, send your attack teams west and target the main fleet that Zuikaku detected! The Fleet composition remains as previously--one flags.h.i.+p BB, three elite BBs and two unidentified DDs! All s.h.i.+ps are currently advancing on our position in line ahead formation!"

"""""Understood!"""""

"This one attack will determine it all--everyone, I'm counting on you!"

"""""Understood!"""""

Between the order and the response, the six s.h.i.+pgirls had not forgotten to prepare. Shoukaku, Zuikaku, Hiyou and Junyou each loosed their arrows or launched their s.h.i.+kigami and allowed them to fall into formation. Meanwhile, the two destroyers popped a smokescreen via their turbines as they moved into engage the Ru-cla.s.s battles.h.i.+ps in an attempt to draw fire from the carriers.

(This attack decides it all....!)

Repeating Shoukaku's line in her mind, Zuikaku continued firing her arrows.

(This battle is a chance to change Shoukaku-nee's heart--but, before that happens, we must win above all...!)

She continued shooting, even as she started to notice her ragged breathing. Each arrow split into the air in a burst of light, trans.m.u.ting into the Type 52 Zero and Ryuusei Kai before forming into position. The Type 62 Zeros remained behind as a contingency plan, while the Ryuusei Kai all carried torpedos.

Zuikaku glanced at the other carriers--they, too, were also launching their carrier planes and then consolidating them. Shoukaku, like Zuikaku, carried Type 52 Zero and Ryuusei Kai, whereas Hiyou and Junyou carried the good ol' Type 21 Zeroes, Type 99 Dive Bombers and Type 97 Torpedo Bobmers.

The cloud of planes a.s.sembled in the air continued to swell into one large air group of some two hundred planes. Zuikaku had only seen an air group of this size once or twice even in "That War."

With the last launches came the sound of guns--the four RU-cla.s.s had began opening fire at Yukikaze and Hibiki.

"We're counting on you, Yukikaze, Hibiki....!"

Eyeing both her own air group and the smoke-wreathed horizon, Junyou softly murmured.

"Because once you're destroyed, the targets become us....!"

Zuikaku felt her body clench. As Junyou had said, if Yukikaze or Hibiki were destroyed, it would be the carrier group's turn to endure the suppression sh.e.l.ling.

A great explosion in the distance, followed by a great pillar just over the Horizon; just the thought of the accurate barrage that had straddled Ise and Hyuuga now focusing on those two slender s.h.i.+pgirls made Zuikaku want to rush to their rescue.

(But, those two must....!)

Zuikaku forcibly suppressed these impulses. her thoughts a prayer. A second later--

"All air groups, begin your attack runs!"

Having waited until the air a.s.sembly had completed, Shoukaku gave the order.

"Your target is the Ru-cla.s.s Battles.h.i.+p Group! We're counting on you, go!"

"Hopefully...an attack that'll finish them out of our visual range!"

Zuikaku shouted along with Shoukaku as Hiyou and Junyou also laid down their orders.

"Alright, let's get revenge for Akagi-senpai and Kaga-senpai! Right, Junyou?"

"Yeah! Let's give it our all and give 'em a beating--Off you go!"

In total over 200 planes formed the first attack wave; at the four s.h.i.+pgirls' order, they shot as one towards the enemy fleet. The sight left even Zuikaku, who had sent them, gaping--this was doubtless an all-in, all-out a.s.sault.

Among the most magnificent among them were Shoukaku and Zuikaku's Ryuusei-Kai attack teams. Protected by the Type 52 Zeroes in a vast inverted gull-wing formation, they advanced as a subversion of the past fast attacks of the past.

"Report from Hibiki--enemy battles.h.i.+ps have opened up with AA guns,"

Junyou reported with a hand to her ear.

"But the effect seems limited--the Ryuusei-kai seems to be too fast for each battles.h.i.+p to cope!"

"In that case....!"

In the time that Shoukaku uttered her shout of antic.i.p.ation, the attack teams began to separate, beginning their individual attack runs.

Planes began to fall. As expected, the four Ru-cla.s.s' AA power was overwhelming; within mere seconds, the air was filled with the black puffs of AA fire. And yet as Hibiki reported, the enemy could not quite adjust to the Ryuusei Kai's speed--losses were significantly lighter than in previous battles.

And so, each of the attack teams launched their torpedos--moments later, the four Ru-cla.s.ses were bracketed by water pillars.

(How's that....!)

Zuikaku clenched her fist as she stared in the enemy fleet's direction. It would be up to the closer Hibiki and Yukikaze to report the results.

Presently, Yukikaze reported with a tone of regret.

"--no-go! Out of the four, two have been heavily-damaged, but the other two aren't hurt at all! One of them is the flags.h.i.+p cla.s.s!"

"So they missed....?"

Shoukaku pressed with a voice of disbelief.

"--No! The two enemy destroyers acted as s.h.i.+elds...both those destroyers have sank! But....!"

Zuikaku stood dumbstruck. While everyone was aware that the abyssal were, like the s.h.i.+pgirls, capable and willing to act autonomously to protect the flags.h.i.+p, n.o.body thought that it would be at this time that--

But Zuikaku now admitted that they had been far too naive. Right after, Hiyou spoke up.

"All s.h.i.+ps, begin evasive maneuvers! The surviving Ru-cla.s.ses are now firing in our direction!"

"At this time?!"

Even as the others responded incredulously, a seemingly unending chain of explosions bracketed the field.

Zuikaku had not yet lost her bearings. Countless sh.e.l.ls exploded around her with shockwaves that smashed her onto the water surface.

"Ugh....!" she murmured as she stood back up.

Enduring the pain, she looked around her--as the waterspouts collapsed, they left a cloud of mist in their wake.

Squinting, she made out the silhouettes of three s.h.i.+pgirls, each emitting smoke--and her face whitened.

(How--?!)

Of the three, Hiyou and Junyou showed clearly heavy damage. With their flight decks half ruined and their other equipment virtually wiped out, the two could only grit their teeth as they knelt on the ocean surface.

Shoukaku's damage was not as severe as those of the Hiyou-cla.s.s--even now, she stood up, tottering gently. Even so, her equipment also bore significant damage--her combat ability would doubtlessly be affected.

The enemy's barrage in this direction had inexplicably halted instead of chaining. The only explanation was that Yukikaze and Hibiki had once more caught the enemy's attention.

(And what about the carrier planes?)

Zuikaku looked to the sky--from the horizon, the spent first wave was now returning. They numbered around fifty, virtually all of whom were the Type 52 Zeroes and Ryuusei Kai. Hiyou and Junyou's planes had been slaughtered, nearly to the last fairy.

Of the two hundred attack planes, only one in four had returned--the losses were exceedingly heavy, far beyond Zuikaku's worst fears. And now, the only carriers that remained were she and Shoukaku.

(But, we have to regain the initiative with these remnants...!)

The enemy still had two unharmed R